The V.I. Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities Inc. St. Thomas has been providing accessible transportation services for seniors and persons with disabilities for over 32 years. Dial-A-Ride serves approximately 200 local clients monthly, with over 900 registrants, including tourists and off-island clients.
It transports clients, who include children with disabilities, for chemotherapy, dialysis, doctor’s visits, etc., and it facilitates the delivery of prescriptions, groceries, etc. for those that cannot leave their homes. It also provides disaster relief services. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; accessible transportation services fluctuate between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., depending on the client’s needs.
The primary funding source for the organization is the Government of the Virgin Islands. It provided funding for the agency to reopen its doors on July 22; however, the organization needs to become self-sufficient. Individuals, Friends of Dial-A-Ride and businesses in the community have also provided monetary, in-kind services and other types of donations in an effort to support the special population of people who are in need of services.
With the bleak financial state of the territory, the agency needs the community and businesses to build partnerships and provide donations, in-kind services, merchandise and discounts to assist those who are being served.
Volunteers are needed for day to day operations and will assist the committed staff of five: one full-time director, one administrative assistant, one part-time office assistant/dispatcher and two part-time drivers. To provide safe, courteous and efficient door to door transportation for disabled and elderly clients to scheduled sites and other duties from these professional and community services: drivers, driver assistants, mechanics, vehicle cleaning, bookkeeper, administrative, technical support, newsletter, marketing, social media, data management, laundry, financial advisors, and graphic designer. www.dialaridevi.org
Sponsor the Adopt A Bus Program by making monthly contributions. Or for $1,000 be a sponsor of “LOVE” for Dial-A-Ride; for $750 be a sponsor of “JOY” for Dial-A-Ride; for $500 be a sponsor of “HOPE” for Dial-A-Ride.
Dial-A-Ride has four specially equipped buses with lifts: one Ford 350, 4-wheel drive, two Chevy Express vans, one Ford E450. Call 776-1277 for further information.
Make all checks payable to VICCD, P.O. Box 9500, St. Thomas, U.S. VI 00801-2500.
